How to Have a Healthy and Safe School Year from the East Shore District Health Department

It is Back-to-School time for the .  With that in mind, it is time to give out specific tips and information for parents and kids on how to stay healthy and safe this school year.

For Safety To and From School:

Bus Students: Children should be taught to remain in clear view of the bus driver before getting on the bus and after getting off.

Walking to School Students: Make sure your child wears bright colored clothes so drivers in cars can see them, and that there are adult crossing guards on their route

For Kids who Ride in a Car: Be sure that all children under 13 sit in the back seat of the car and all passengers are wearing seat belts

Teen Drivers: Do not allow eating, drinking, or using cell-phones while driving.

Always Pack a Healthy Snack:

Remember that a nutritious snack consists of One carbohydrate (Fruit, Veggie or Grain) + One protein (Meat, Bean or Dairy)

A healthy snack helps a child stay focused at school

Check that Backpack:

Check the weight of your child’s backpack.  If it weighs more than 10-20% of your child’s weight, it weighs too much.

Make sure the backpack has wide padded straps.

Check it periodically and take out unnecessary items

For those Head Lice Scares:

Be sure to check your child’s head once a week (more often if a notice has come home saying there is a case of lice in the classroom) for signs of head lice.  Look for itching and red welts along the hair line.

It’s okay to Share…

Share a toy, share a slide

Share the feelings deep inside

But never share a hat or comb

Or Lice could make your head their home.

Healthy Habits to Teach Your Children:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get your flu vaccination
• If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

Above all, keep yourself healthy with proper nutrition, regular physical activities and plenty of sleep.  When we are healthy, we can keep our families healthy.  When our families are healthy, it makes for a healthy community.